Speaking at a forum addressing the state’s potable water resources, nine gubernatorial hopefuls said Friday that while the effort to maintaining drinking water will be arduous, the focus needs to be both on conservation and the future creation of additional reservoirs.
Hosted by the University of West Georgia, candidates included Democrats Thurbert Baker, Carl Camon and David Poythress as well as Republicans Jeff Chapman, Nathan Deal, Eric Johnson, Ray McBerry, John Oxendine and Austin Scott.
In addressing water on the state level, Camon said, it’s important to remember that it’s a localized problem, and only through working with local governments and communities can the state begin to address the issue statewide.
“I think water is a local issue because it affects local people all around the state, and local governments collectively make up the state as a whole,” Camon said. “It’s imperative that anyone that serves as governor of Georgia has the opportunity to go where the help is to effectively communicate with the people who can make things happen, and I think I can effectively do that as governor of Georgia. As a matter of fact, if I had been in office for the last 10 or 15 years, some of these problems wouldn’t be here.”
When addressing the issue of conservation on a small scale, the matter becomes sticky, Camon said. While the government may need to regulate private water consumption to an extent, it must be careful not to infringe on individual landowners’ property rights.
For complete article please visit -http://www.times-georgian.com/view/full_story/7184651/article-Gubernatorial-hopefuls-address-water-issues-?instance=west_ga_news
Rainwater Collection is a proven water conservation approach and with the right equipment a solution for potable water. More homeowners in Atlanta are discovering the many benefits of having a professionally installed rainwater collection system installed in their backyard. No more worries about water restrictions. Your garden and landscape will thrive and you reduce your environmental impact. For more information on rainwater Collection please visit www.ecovieenvironmental.com
Monday, April 26, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Atlanta Students Learn About Water Wise Program
Students, with help from guests from the city of Atlanta, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, educational leaders and other organizations, undertook a water measurement water activity at Burgess-Peterson Academy to learn how to conserve resources and save money for their school as part of an innovative new program, Be Water Wise Atlanta.
“Atlanta is no longer in a drought, but that doesn’t mean that we can return to previous wasteful ways,” said City of Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed in a message about the program. ”Droughts are cyclical, and, sooner or later, we will face another one. That’s why I think it is imperative that we think of water conservation not as an occasional hardship but as new way to live our lives…Be Water Wise Atlanta offers our children an excellent start in this learning process.”
A project of the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) in partnership with the Atlanta Public Schools and Johnson Controls, Inc., Be Water Wise Atlanta includes math, science and language activities that focus on water conservation. A water measurement activity is the first part of an 18-month environmental education program that engages students to research and develop strategies to save water – and money – at their schools. The Walmart Foundation also is supporting Be Water Wise Atlanta.
OHS Virtual Expo
Atlanta faces unique challenges in water management. According to the U.S. Geological Society, Atlanta’s primary water sources are small and greatly affected by droughts. With more than 5 million inhabitants, the metro area has only one sizeable water stream, the Chattahoochee River. Sixteen counties that make up the North Georgia Water Planning District use 652 million gallons of water per day, most of which is consumed by households.
“Be Water Wise Atlanta gives students a chance to solve real-world problems that impact their schools and homes,” said Diane Wood, president of the National Environmental Education Foundation. “The program exemplifies the possibilities and power of environmental education.”
Johnson Controls provided Atlanta Public School teachers and custodians with training and materials in February, which also featured representatives from Georgia Project WET. Students will assess water use at schools by inspecting faucets, water fountains and other plumbing fixtures for flow rates and leaks. After analyzing results, students will offer water conservation ideas to city officials.
Fourteen Atlanta-area schools will take part in the project. Partnering organizations include: the Environmental Protection Agency Region 4, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Johnson Controls, Inc., Georgia Project WET, Conserve Water Georgia, Georgia Green and Healthy Schools, the Georgia Aquarium, the Center for Education Integrating Mathematics, Science and Computing (CEISMC) at Georgia Tech, the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management, and the City of Atlanta Office of Sustainability.
At the conclusion of the program, students will present their water conservation findings at an assembly before city leaders.
“Atlanta is no longer in a drought, but that doesn’t mean that we can return to previous wasteful ways,” said City of Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed in a message about the program. ”Droughts are cyclical, and, sooner or later, we will face another one. That’s why I think it is imperative that we think of water conservation not as an occasional hardship but as new way to live our lives…Be Water Wise Atlanta offers our children an excellent start in this learning process.”
A project of the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) in partnership with the Atlanta Public Schools and Johnson Controls, Inc., Be Water Wise Atlanta includes math, science and language activities that focus on water conservation. A water measurement activity is the first part of an 18-month environmental education program that engages students to research and develop strategies to save water – and money – at their schools. The Walmart Foundation also is supporting Be Water Wise Atlanta.
OHS Virtual Expo
Atlanta faces unique challenges in water management. According to the U.S. Geological Society, Atlanta’s primary water sources are small and greatly affected by droughts. With more than 5 million inhabitants, the metro area has only one sizeable water stream, the Chattahoochee River. Sixteen counties that make up the North Georgia Water Planning District use 652 million gallons of water per day, most of which is consumed by households.
“Be Water Wise Atlanta gives students a chance to solve real-world problems that impact their schools and homes,” said Diane Wood, president of the National Environmental Education Foundation. “The program exemplifies the possibilities and power of environmental education.”
Johnson Controls provided Atlanta Public School teachers and custodians with training and materials in February, which also featured representatives from Georgia Project WET. Students will assess water use at schools by inspecting faucets, water fountains and other plumbing fixtures for flow rates and leaks. After analyzing results, students will offer water conservation ideas to city officials.
Fourteen Atlanta-area schools will take part in the project. Partnering organizations include: the Environmental Protection Agency Region 4, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Johnson Controls, Inc., Georgia Project WET, Conserve Water Georgia, Georgia Green and Healthy Schools, the Georgia Aquarium, the Center for Education Integrating Mathematics, Science and Computing (CEISMC) at Georgia Tech, the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management, and the City of Atlanta Office of Sustainability.
At the conclusion of the program, students will present their water conservation findings at an assembly before city leaders.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Ecovie Environmental Showcasing Rainwater Collection at Atlanta Dogwood Festival
The 74th Annual Dogwood Festival will be gracing Piedmont Park once again. The Dogwood Festival will feature entertainment on numerous stages and exhibits from hundreds of national, regional and local artists. The Dogwood Festival has partnered with the Atlanta Chapter of the US Green Building Council to present the Eco- Village. The Eco- Village will feature-Dedicated Exhibit booths in the Green Village featuring companies with sustainable initiatives and products and Discovery Education Centers in the Eco-Village to encourage people to participate in sustainable practices such as: green building, composting, recycling, renewable energy, and water conservation.
Rainwater Collection Featured At Eco-Village
Atlanta is faced with water supply issues and the Eco Village will provide educational opportunities for homeowners and interested consumers to learn what they can do to protect this valuable resource. One solution that has been popular in Europe is Rainwater Collection.One of the key companies in Atlanta providing Rainwater Collection systems is Ecovie Environmental. Please visit their exhibit booth at the Eco Village or for more information on rainwater collection please visit their website- www.ecovieenvironmental.com
For more information on Eco Village or the Dogwood Festival please go their website www.dogwood.org
Rainwater Collection Featured At Eco-Village
Atlanta is faced with water supply issues and the Eco Village will provide educational opportunities for homeowners and interested consumers to learn what they can do to protect this valuable resource. One solution that has been popular in Europe is Rainwater Collection.One of the key companies in Atlanta providing Rainwater Collection systems is Ecovie Environmental. Please visit their exhibit booth at the Eco Village or for more information on rainwater collection please visit their website- www.ecovieenvironmental.com
For more information on Eco Village or the Dogwood Festival please go their website www.dogwood.org
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Potable Rainwater
By Doug Pushard
When I was growing up, I remember drinking out of a rain barrel with a ladle. My great aunt would yell out the door, “Remember not to drink off the top!” That was then and now is now. A lot has changed in 4 decades. There are a lot more pollutants, and we are more aware of the risks. We now know that E. coli and other harmful bacteria can be passed along in untreated contaminated water. A report by Peter H. Gleick estimates that if no action is taken to address unmet basic human needs for water, as many as 135 million people will die from water-related diseases by 2020.
Rainwater harvesting is viewed by many, including the EPA, as a partial solution to the problems posed by water scarcity: droughts and desertification, erosion from runoff, over-reliance on depleted aquifers, and the costs of new irrigation, diversion, and water treatment facilities.
Please click here to read full article
Sponsor: Ecovie Environmental is an Atlanta based company focused on providing homeowners with a water conservation solution- rainwater collection. Rainwater Collection systems provide an environmentally responsible method to use collected rainwater for your gardening and landscaping needs. Imagine being able to water your garden and lawn at any time without worrying about water bans or increasing water bills. With an Ecovie Environmental custom- built Rainwater Collection system you can. For more information please visit http://www.ecovieenvironmental.com
When I was growing up, I remember drinking out of a rain barrel with a ladle. My great aunt would yell out the door, “Remember not to drink off the top!” That was then and now is now. A lot has changed in 4 decades. There are a lot more pollutants, and we are more aware of the risks. We now know that E. coli and other harmful bacteria can be passed along in untreated contaminated water. A report by Peter H. Gleick estimates that if no action is taken to address unmet basic human needs for water, as many as 135 million people will die from water-related diseases by 2020.
Rainwater harvesting is viewed by many, including the EPA, as a partial solution to the problems posed by water scarcity: droughts and desertification, erosion from runoff, over-reliance on depleted aquifers, and the costs of new irrigation, diversion, and water treatment facilities.
Please click here to read full article
Sponsor: Ecovie Environmental is an Atlanta based company focused on providing homeowners with a water conservation solution- rainwater collection. Rainwater Collection systems provide an environmentally responsible method to use collected rainwater for your gardening and landscaping needs. Imagine being able to water your garden and lawn at any time without worrying about water bans or increasing water bills. With an Ecovie Environmental custom- built Rainwater Collection system you can. For more information please visit http://www.ecovieenvironmental.com
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Even the U.S. Military Is Conserving Water
It's not just the troops' uniforms that are green: The U.S. military says its investments to conserve energy and water are beginning to pay off, with benefits for cost, national security and troop safety.
The Army has cut water usage at its permanent bases and other facilities around the world by 31% since 2004, according to Pentagon data. The amount of energy used per square foot at Army facilities declined 10.4% during that same period.
The data do not include the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, where increased troop levels caused energy usage to rise, but the military has several green measures in place there.
For example, the military has spent more than $100 million on "spray foam" insulation for tents in Iraq and Afghanistan, cutting leakage of air conditioning by at least 50%, says Tad Davis, the Army's deputy assistant secretary for environmental issues. The energy savings usually recover the investment within 90 days, he says.
The military's green efforts will result in at least $1.6 billion in savings through the projects' lifetime, says Joe Sikes, director of facilities energy at the Defense Department.
President Obama says the armed forces are investing $2.7 billion this year to improve energy efficiency. Improvements include: more energy-efficient lighting, low-flow toilets, heating and air-conditioning upgrades,and solar panels.
For the full article please visit the USA Today website at http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/environment/2010-04-11-military-going-green_N.htm
The Army has cut water usage at its permanent bases and other facilities around the world by 31% since 2004, according to Pentagon data. The amount of energy used per square foot at Army facilities declined 10.4% during that same period.
The data do not include the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, where increased troop levels caused energy usage to rise, but the military has several green measures in place there.
For example, the military has spent more than $100 million on "spray foam" insulation for tents in Iraq and Afghanistan, cutting leakage of air conditioning by at least 50%, says Tad Davis, the Army's deputy assistant secretary for environmental issues. The energy savings usually recover the investment within 90 days, he says.
The military's green efforts will result in at least $1.6 billion in savings through the projects' lifetime, says Joe Sikes, director of facilities energy at the Defense Department.
President Obama says the armed forces are investing $2.7 billion this year to improve energy efficiency. Improvements include: more energy-efficient lighting, low-flow toilets, heating and air-conditioning upgrades,and solar panels.
For the full article please visit the USA Today website at http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/environment/2010-04-11-military-going-green_N.htm
Monday, April 12, 2010
Rainwater Collection Will Help Water Conservation in Atlanta
Harvesting rainwater to ease Atlanta’s water woes
By G. Edward Van Giesen
Metro Atlanta’s water challenges have rolled through the region like a giant thunderclap in the night, waking its residents from their dream that Georgia’s water resources are unlimited and well-managed.
U.S. District Court Judge Paul Magnuson’s order threatening a dramatic rollback in the amount of water the region can withdraw from Lake Lanier, last year’s drought and staggering property damage from storm-inundated water channels have made indisputably clear the need for new ways to think about how we gather, use and manage our water resources.
The fastest, easiest and most effective technique for increasing our available water resources, coping with drought conditions and controlling storm runoff has been overlooked so far in efforts to change the state’s water management systems, however.
A decentralized approach to rainwater harvesting, as described by Australian water authority Peter Coombes in a series of recent academic studies, can produce tremendous benefits for the state both in conservation of potable water and reduction of storm water runoff.
For rest of article:http://www.ajc.com/opinion/harvesting-rainwater-to-ease-444310.html
Sponsor: EcoVie Environmental is providing Atlanta homeowners with a number of rainwater collection solutions to help their water conservation needs. Not only do homeowners save money on their water utility bills they have unlimited access to water for all of their gardening and landscaping needs. For more information please visit their website- www.ecovieenvironmental.com
By G. Edward Van Giesen
Metro Atlanta’s water challenges have rolled through the region like a giant thunderclap in the night, waking its residents from their dream that Georgia’s water resources are unlimited and well-managed.
U.S. District Court Judge Paul Magnuson’s order threatening a dramatic rollback in the amount of water the region can withdraw from Lake Lanier, last year’s drought and staggering property damage from storm-inundated water channels have made indisputably clear the need for new ways to think about how we gather, use and manage our water resources.
The fastest, easiest and most effective technique for increasing our available water resources, coping with drought conditions and controlling storm runoff has been overlooked so far in efforts to change the state’s water management systems, however.
A decentralized approach to rainwater harvesting, as described by Australian water authority Peter Coombes in a series of recent academic studies, can produce tremendous benefits for the state both in conservation of potable water and reduction of storm water runoff.
For rest of article:http://www.ajc.com/opinion/harvesting-rainwater-to-ease-444310.html
Sponsor: EcoVie Environmental is providing Atlanta homeowners with a number of rainwater collection solutions to help their water conservation needs. Not only do homeowners save money on their water utility bills they have unlimited access to water for all of their gardening and landscaping needs. For more information please visit their website- www.ecovieenvironmental.com
Friday, April 2, 2010
State Of Georgia and Gwinnett County Challenging Use of Lake Lanier water
Georgia has asked an appeals court to allow metro Atlanta to use Lake Lanier for most of its water needs, warning that a contrary decision "will be devastating to 3 million residents who have no meaningful alternative source of water supply."
Separately, Gwinnett County also asked the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta to reverse a ruling last July that declared the region has no legal right to rely on Lake Lanier for most of its water supply.
The ruling "imposed what can only be termed the death penalty for subsistence by existing households and businesses, as well as future economic growth within Gwinnett," the county said. It noted that its approximately 800,000 residents rely on the lake as their sole source of water supply.
The almost 200 pages of legal briefs filed by Georgia parties and Gwinnett are the first salvos in a high-stakes appeal over water rights to Lake Lanier. The 11th Circuit has set a briefing schedule that ends July 26. Once all legal briefs are filed, the court is expected to schedule oral arguments in the case.
For rest of article please visit AJC.com-http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/georgia-appeals-devastating-water-429545.html
Separately, Gwinnett County also asked the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta to reverse a ruling last July that declared the region has no legal right to rely on Lake Lanier for most of its water supply.
The ruling "imposed what can only be termed the death penalty for subsistence by existing households and businesses, as well as future economic growth within Gwinnett," the county said. It noted that its approximately 800,000 residents rely on the lake as their sole source of water supply.
The almost 200 pages of legal briefs filed by Georgia parties and Gwinnett are the first salvos in a high-stakes appeal over water rights to Lake Lanier. The 11th Circuit has set a briefing schedule that ends July 26. Once all legal briefs are filed, the court is expected to schedule oral arguments in the case.
For rest of article please visit AJC.com-http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/georgia-appeals-devastating-water-429545.html
Thursday, April 1, 2010
ecoTransitions Promoted Fix A Leak Week
Interesting information from the ecoTransitions blog
Because minor water leaks account for more than 1 trillion gallons of water wasted each year in U.S. homes, ecoTransitions is promoting “Fix a Leak Week,” March 15 through 21, 2010. Fix a Leak Week is sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) WaterSense® program as an annual reminder to Americans to check household plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks.
“Leaks can add up to more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted at home every year—that’s enough to fill a backyard swimming pool,” said Andrea Paulinellli, CEO and President. “ecoTransitions is participating in Fix a Leak Week to help homeowners save money on their utility bills and to help save water in our community and for future generations. Atlanta may lose its rights to access water from Lake Lanier in 2012. If that is the case, Georgia must undertake the difficult — and costly — process of either living on less or finding more water. By replacing old, water-guzzling fixtures in our households, we can make a great start in reducing our indoor water use by up to 50 percent.”
To help consumers here in Georgia and across the country save water, ecoTransitions and WaterSense are promoting ways to identify and repair dripping faucets, running toilets, and leaky showerheads. In most cases, fixture replacement parts pay for themselves quickly and can be installed by do-it-yourselfers, your favorite handy person, plumber, or WaterSense irrigation partner. Following are a few water-saving tips:
Reduce faucet leaks by checking faucet washers and gaskets for wear and, if necessary, replace the faucet with a WaterSense labeled model.
Leaky toilets are most often the result of a worn toilet flapper. Replacing the rubber flapper is a quick fix that could save a home with a constantly running toilet up to 200 gallons of water per day. If the leaky toilet uses 3.5 gallons per flush, replace it with a High Efficiency Toilet and save hundreds of Dollars per year.
For a leaky garden hose, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer and ensure a tight connection to the spigot using pipe tape and a wrench.
Landscape irrigation systems should be checked each spring before use to make sure they are not damaged by frost or freezing.
If homeowners have to replace a plumbing fixture, ecoTransitions reminds them to look for the WaterSense label. WaterSense labeled toilets, faucets, and (soon) showerheads have been independently tested and certified to save water and perform as well as or better than standard models. For more information on Fix a Leak Week, visit www.epa.gov/watersense/fixaleak.
For more information please visit the ecotransitions website- www.ecotransitions.com
Because minor water leaks account for more than 1 trillion gallons of water wasted each year in U.S. homes, ecoTransitions is promoting “Fix a Leak Week,” March 15 through 21, 2010. Fix a Leak Week is sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) WaterSense® program as an annual reminder to Americans to check household plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks.
“Leaks can add up to more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted at home every year—that’s enough to fill a backyard swimming pool,” said Andrea Paulinellli, CEO and President. “ecoTransitions is participating in Fix a Leak Week to help homeowners save money on their utility bills and to help save water in our community and for future generations. Atlanta may lose its rights to access water from Lake Lanier in 2012. If that is the case, Georgia must undertake the difficult — and costly — process of either living on less or finding more water. By replacing old, water-guzzling fixtures in our households, we can make a great start in reducing our indoor water use by up to 50 percent.”
To help consumers here in Georgia and across the country save water, ecoTransitions and WaterSense are promoting ways to identify and repair dripping faucets, running toilets, and leaky showerheads. In most cases, fixture replacement parts pay for themselves quickly and can be installed by do-it-yourselfers, your favorite handy person, plumber, or WaterSense irrigation partner. Following are a few water-saving tips:
Reduce faucet leaks by checking faucet washers and gaskets for wear and, if necessary, replace the faucet with a WaterSense labeled model.
Leaky toilets are most often the result of a worn toilet flapper. Replacing the rubber flapper is a quick fix that could save a home with a constantly running toilet up to 200 gallons of water per day. If the leaky toilet uses 3.5 gallons per flush, replace it with a High Efficiency Toilet and save hundreds of Dollars per year.
For a leaky garden hose, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer and ensure a tight connection to the spigot using pipe tape and a wrench.
Landscape irrigation systems should be checked each spring before use to make sure they are not damaged by frost or freezing.
If homeowners have to replace a plumbing fixture, ecoTransitions reminds them to look for the WaterSense label. WaterSense labeled toilets, faucets, and (soon) showerheads have been independently tested and certified to save water and perform as well as or better than standard models. For more information on Fix a Leak Week, visit www.epa.gov/watersense/fixaleak.
For more information please visit the ecotransitions website- www.ecotransitions.com
Rainwater Collection A Solution to Our Water Challenge?
By Bob Drew- President Ecovie Environmental
To find a long-term, affordable solution to the ongoing "water wars" with neighboring states- and to put some much needed, long term sanity back to into the region's overall water-related strategizing-metro Atlantan’s need look no farther than their own roofs. Put another way: Area residents are a lot closer than they think to a solution to the current water crisis-potentially for a fraction of the cost being discussed by various government agencies that think building new reservoirs and water treatment constitutes the only effective way out of this morass.
What exactly is this fix? Three words: rainwater collection systems. Rather than large new reservoirs, these personal mini-reservoirs can have a major impact on demand from municipal water. We’re not talking about what immediately comes to mind when most people think of collecting rainwater. Installing 55 gallon rain barrels in yards typically bought at so-called "big box" retailers or farmer's markets-barrels intended to help water gardens.
Rain barrels are a meaningful way to begin any effort at conserving and utilizing rainwater, but more substantive collection means the installation of residential tank systems that commonly store between 2,000 and 10,000 gallons for a home. When outdoor water use accounts for around half of all residential demand and upwards of 100,000 gallons every summer, this sort of capacity is required to keep up with demand.
In Austin, Texas, rainwater collection now accounts for five million gallons a day for commercial and municipal applications alone. Translated into a metropolitan area the size of Atlanta, this would mean 18 million gallons a day. Adding the impact of residential rainwater collection, the impact would be much higher.
For more information please visit www.ecovieenvironmental.com
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